Firefighters continue to monitor downtown Jesup shopping center

Firefighters are still on the scene of a fire in downtown Jesup that broke out Monday evening.

Crews said the fire started around 8:40 p.m. at the Fair Haven Market and spread quickly to other businesses creating a massive blaze that could be seen for miles. It took firefighters nearly 12 hours to put the fire out.

The State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the incident. Officials believe the fire started at the Fair Haven Consignment Store, a nonprofit that supported the battered women's shelter.

"To see this part of downtown in the kind of devastation that it's in...it's a sad sight," Misty Juarbe, co-owner of Jones Drug Company said.

More than 150 firefighters from nine counties fought the blaze, and many are still watching out for hot spots that are still continuing to flare up. Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion, and one was treated for a possible broken foot. They have all been treated and released.

Fire crews from Long County, Nahunta, Jesup, Wayne County, Hinesville, Glynn County, Brunswick and Fort Stewart helped battle the blaze.

Crews attacked the fire both from the ground and also from the air on ladders.

Nearly every street was closed in the downtown area while firefighters worked the scene. Rail tracks have also been shut down so that more hoses can be used to help fight the blaze.

Seven businesses in the Whaley Shopping Center were destroyed in the fire, including the Fair Haven Market, The Computer Store, Flying Eagle Feed and Pet Supply Store, Grimes Insurance Agency, Moppets Children's Wear and Maternity, Shoes Galore and More and New Miracle Deliverance Church. Two empty spaces were also detroyed in the fire.

"No telling how long they'll rebuild or what they'll put back there, and a lot of those shops are local shops and local businesses, and it's going to be really hard for all of those businesses to recover, you know," witness Brian Davis said.

At least ten businesses have been affected by the fire.

No injuries have been reported.

Residents of the area said they'll help eachother move forward from this devastation.

"We're going to come together and whatever we need to do for our small community, we're going to do it," resident Theresa Johnson said.

Power has been shut off in the area as investigators try to figure out what caused the fire.

Emergency crews are responding to a fire at a Walterboro gas station Wednesday night. (Source: Wendy Bryant)

Emergency crews are responding to a fire at a Walterboro gas station Wednesday night. (Source: Wendy Bryant)

Emergency crews are responding to a fire at a Walterboro gas station Wednesday night. It's at the Murphy USA gas station on 2100 Bells Highway near the Walmart. Copyright 2018 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Emergency crews are responding to a fire at a Walterboro gas station Wednesday night. It's at the Murphy USA gas station on 2100 Bells Highway near the Walmart. Copyright 2018 WCSC. All rights reserved.